Anderson reprimanded for showing dissent

England bowler James Anderson has received an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC code of conduct on the second day of the first Test against Sri Lanka, in Galle. In addition to the reprimand for his breach, a demerit point has been added to Anderson’s disciplinary record.

The 36-year-old was found to have violated Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during an international match”.

The incident took place in the 39th over of Sri Lanka’s first innings when the pacer showed dissent by first complaining at the umpire’s decision and then throwing the ball into the pitch after he had received a first warning from umpire Chris Gaffaney for running on the wicket.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Gaffaney and Marais Erasmus, third umpire S Ravi, as well as fourth umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge. No formal hearing was required, as Anderson pleaded guilty to the charge and accepted the sanctions proposed by match referee Andy Pycroft.

This demerit point takes the bowler's tally to two as he had been hit with one demerit point for showing dissent on the second day of the fifth Test against India at The Oval in September this year.

A Level 1 breach attracts a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 percent of a player’s match fee and one or two demerit points.